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1 of 253523 objects
The Archbishop of Canterbury 1935
Black and white chalk on grey-blue paper | 49.3 x 36.5 cm (sight) | RCIN 935058
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A portrait drawing of Cosmo Lang, Archbishop of Canterbury; half-length, turned in profile to the left; wearing mitre and chasuble, and holding an open book in his clasped hands; inscribed, lower right; The Bishop of London; signed, lower right. This is a study for The Heart of the Empire, 6 May 1935 (RCIN 404703, St Bride Foundation, London), a painting commissioned to commemorate the thanksgiving service conducted at St Pauls to mark the Silver Jubilee of King George V. Other studies include portraits of Princess Elizabeth (RCIN 935054), Princess Margaret (RCIN 935055), the Duke of York (RCIN 935056), and the Prince of Wales (RCIN 935057). At a late stage in the development of the painting Salisbury was rightly advised that the position until then occupied by the Bishop of London in his canvas should be taken by the Archbishop of Canterbury, facing the congregation as he conducts the Thanksgiving ceremony. This confusion perhaps explains the inscription at the lower-right corner of the drawing.
Provenance
Presented by the artist's family, May 2014
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Medium and techniques
Black and white chalk on grey-blue paper
Measurements
49.3 x 36.5 cm (sight)
72.0 x 59.4 cm (mount)
Object type(s)
Other number(s)
RL 35058